What data does the G-raid 2 store when creating a raid array?

The G-RAID 2 by SanDisk Professional (formerly G-Technology) is a high-performance dual-drive RAID storage solution designed for creatives, professionals, and users who need reliable and high-capacity data storage. It supports multiple RAID configurations, typically RAID 0 (striping) and RAID 1 (mirroring), to offer flexibility between speed and redundancy.

When setting up or configuring a RAID array on the G-RAID 2—whether for the first time or after reformatting—certain types of metadata and structural data are stored to organize the two drives into a single logical unit. Understanding what data is written or changed during RAID array creation is essential, especially if you’re concerned about data preservation, disk compatibility, or recoverability.

🔍 What Happens When a RAID Array is Created?

When you create a RAID array on a G-RAID 2 system using the G-RAID Configuration Utility or a hardware RAID controller, the system writes specific RAID metadata to the drives. This metadata includes:

1. RAID Configuration Metadata

Defines the RAID level (e.g., RAID 0 or RAID 1)

Specifies which physical disks are part of the array

Details the block size or stripe size (RAID 0)

Indicates the order of drives in the array

This metadata is typically stored at the beginning or end of each physical drive, depending on the controller’s design.

2. Partition and Formatting Data

Once the RAID array is initialized, it appears to your operating system as a single logical volume. The following data is then written:

A new partition table (e.g., GPT or MBR)

A file system (e.g., exFAT, HFS+, NTFS, APFS), which structures how files and folders are stored

Optional boot sector or volume label information

🔴 Important: If the drives already contained data, creating a RAID array will usually erase all existing data unless it's a non-destructive rebuild (very rare on G-RAID).

3. Drive Identifier and Sync State

RAID metadata also contains:

Drive serial numbers and unique identifiers

Sync status (especially in RAID 1, where the mirror has to be rebuilt after configuration)

Health status and SMART flags

These are essential for the RAID controller to maintain the integrity and health of the array.

🗂️ What Isn’t Stored in the RAID Metadata?

User files or actual data content isn’t stored in the RAID configuration metadata.

RAID controllers don’t store encryption keys unless you are using full-disk encryption, which is separate from RAID itself.

Backups or snapshots aren’t included unless configured through third-party backup solutions.

🏁 Conclusion

When you create a RAID array on the G-RAID 2, the system stores RAID configuration metadata, partition data, file system information, and drive identifiers. This enables the drives to function together as a single logical volume according to the selected RAID mode. However, be aware that initializing or changing the RAID mode usually erases all user data, so always back up your files before making RAID configuration changes.